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* '''Hypoxicator'''. You will need to build a hypoxicator, which is detailed under [[DIY Hypoxicator]]. This is the only bit of fabrication you'll need to do. This should only cost around $20 or so to build.
* '''CO2 Scrubber'''. As detailed in the [[DIY Hypoxicator]] instructions, the CO2 scrubber is a consumable, so buy enough to last you for a few weeks. I typically buy 3-5 bags at a time.
* '''Pulse Oximeter'''. To monitor and control your altitude training, and to keep you safe, you need to measure your [[SpO2|SpO<sub>2</sub>]] with a [[Pulse Oximeter]]. You can get a good one for about $35, or one with a PC interface for recording and analysis with the [[Hypoxic Timer]] software for $85. Using this system without a [[Pulse Oximeter]] is dangerous as you may drop your [[SpO2|SpO<sub>2</sub>]] too low.
* '''Viral/bacterial filters'''. These will keep your lungs clean and should be replaced periodically. I have 2-3 open that I cycle through to make sure they have plenty of time to dry out between uses. They cost around $3 each; [http://www.allegromedical.com/respiratory-therapy-c534/main-flow-bacterial-viral-filter-p547468.html?a_aid=98b31cc5 Main Flow Bacterial/Viral Filter at Allegro Medical] or [http://www.allegromedical.com/wound-care-c541/breathing-filter-p548489.html?a_aid=98b31cc5 Breathing Filter].
* '''Hose'''. The hose I use is cheap, though you have to buy it in 100 foot (30m) lengths for $15. [http://www.allegromedical.com/respiratory-therapy-c534/corr-a-flex-ii-roll-tubing-p174363.html?a_aid=98b31cc5 CORR-A-FLEX II Roll Tubing at Allegro Medical].
* '''Mouthpiece'''. I've not been able to find another supplier of the mouthpiece I use, but this [http://www.allegromedical.com/respiratory-therapy-c534/angled-mouthpiece-for-mabis-nebulizers-p561316.html?a_aid=98b31cc5 Angled Mouthpiece for MABIS Nebulizers] works and it is only $3. (You'll need to tape the hole at the bend.) I recommend against using a facemask, and it's '''vital you don't attach the mouthpiece to your head'''. If your SpO2 drops too low you might pass out, in which case you need the mouthpiece to fall out so you'll start breathing normal air and recover.
* '''Tee adapter'''. To branch the hose I use a Tee adapter taken from this [http://www.allegromedical.com/respiratory-therapy-c534/aerosol-drainage-bags-p547470.html?a_aid=98b31cc5 Drainage Bag] as it was only $2.
* '''Adapters'''. It's handy to have some adapters like this [http://www.allegromedical.com/respiratory-therapy-c534/multi-adaptor-p547466.html?a_aid=98b31cc5 multi adapt] to connect hoses together or change a male to female end, and they are only a dollar or so.
* '''Ball valveValve'''. I got a plastic plumbing ball valve from a local DIY store. ItI's far from ideal as it is too tight to turnve used both a ball valve, but it only cost and a couple of dollarsscrew valve, and the screw valve shown to the right seems to be far more controllable.
* '''Bag'''. I use a cheap 2.5 gallon Ziploc bag for the rebreathing. I cut a small hole in the end and attach it either directly to the hypoxicator with a cable tie or to half of a viral filter so I can remove it easily.
* '''Freezer packs''' '''(optional)'''. Rebreathing can cause quite a buildup of heat and moisture, so putting a few freezer packs in the bag helps keep things cool and condenses out some of the moisture.
* '''O2 Meter (optional)'''. I have a [http://oxycheq.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_5&products_id=6 OxyCheq Expedition-X Oxygen Analyzer] which is expensive at $250, but I find it useful. The O2 level changes faster than [[SpO2|SpO<sub>2</sub>]], so it makes adjustments easier. I would not get the meter until you know you'll be using the system regularly enough to justify the cost.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:DIYH Valve.JPG|none|thumb|500px|This is the screw type valve I've found quite effective. I find I only need to make about 1/16 of a turn to open the valve enough.]]
|[[File:DIYH MouthpieceCloseup.JPG|none|thumb|500px|A close up of the angled mouthpiece, with and without the tape so you can see the hole.]]
|[[File:DIYH MouthpieceChoice.JPG|none|thumb|500px|A couple of other mouthpieces you can get. One is from the [http://www.allegromedical.com/respiratory-therapy-c534/micro-mist-nebulizers-with-6-corrugated-tube-p174367.html?a_aid=98b31cc5 MICRO MIST Nebulizer] ($2) and the other is from the [http://www.allegromedical.com/respiratory-therapy-c534/respirgard-ii-nebulizer-p176122.html?a_aid=98b31cc5 Respirgard II Nebulizer] ($12).]]
|}
=Three Configurations=
{| class="wikitable"
=Using the System=
* Connect all the parts as shown in the pictures above.
* The more air you have in the bag at the start, the longer it will take for your [[SpO2|SpO<sub>2</sub>]] to drop, so I make sure the bag starts off empty. * Put on the pulse [[Pulse Oximeter ]] and wait for it to get a reading. Do not attempt to use the system without a [[Pulse Oximeter]].
* If you're using the ball valve, close it completely.
* Start a timer (or use the [[Hypoxic Timer]] software).
=Other People's Systems=
If you build one of these systems, I'd be grateful if you let me know how you get on. I'm also interested if you find any improved parts or other suggestions for improvements. Below are photos of systems that other people have built.